Ayurveda is an ancient study of the human body and health. It believes that balancing metabolism is the way to a healthy body and mind. Its purpose is to balance the doshas (tissues) dhatus and agni with a calm mind. Ayurveda uses the natural healing power of food to achieve this. Our digestion process involves assimilation, absorption and elimination. In Ayurveda, Agni is what converts food into energy and when we don’t eat the right food at the right time and with the right combination, this Agni will be disordered Dhatus will not be able to get nutrients from the food lead to imbalance and health problems.
All Ayurvedic medicineists believe in incorrect food combinations and are called “Virudh Anna”. These foods are said to be incompatible due to opposing qualities, one can be hot and the other cold, or two foods with similar qualities when consumed together can increase a specific dosha types cause imbalance. Food processing can change the original food to unhealthy levels. These principles guide ayurvedic prescriptions.
Here are the 10 best supported food combinations in the daily diet:
1. Fish and milk
This is something we have heard and many of us follow. Ayurvedic principles explain it by saying that although both these foods have a sweet taste, their potency is opposite. Hot fish and cold milk, affect circulation. Therefore they should not be consumed together.
2. Milk and Basil
This is something we all swear by when we have colds and coughs. But Ayurveda suggests that there should be a gap of at least 30 minutes between two people.
(Read more: These 7 classic food combinations are ideal to make when craving a comforting taste)
Milk and basil are best avoided together. Photo: iStock
3. Milk and fruit
Milk is not combined with sour fruits and bananas. Banana shake is an all-time favorite, but according to Ayurveda, it’s not a healthy combination.
4. Potatoes and Protein
Protein and starch don’t go together because they overload the system because they need different enzymes to digest. So, potatoes with protein can be delicious but slow down digestion.
(Read more: This 7 regional dish combination will give you a taste of India)
It is best to avoid eating potatoes and protein together. Photo: iStock
5. Cucumber and Tomato
Cucumbers and tomatoes don’t go well and don’t go well with yogurt either. So we need to rethink our salads and raitas. Cucumbers and tomatoes also don’t go well with lemons. So the lemon juice dripping on the salad and kachumber lettuce was over.
6. Honey and heat
Honey when heated will lose its natural properties. People with increased pitta should avoid honey as it increases heat.
7. Cereals and fruits
Grains and fruit should be avoided during a meal. This will help debate whether to include fruit in meals or not.
(Also read: 7 energy-saving food pairings suggested by Reddit users)
It is best to avoid cereals and fruit in the same meal. Photo: iStock
8. Spinach and sesame paste
Spinach and sesame seed powder when eaten together can cause loose movements and should therefore be avoided.
9. Palm sugar and curd
Palm sugar and curd can increase weight gain and treat colds and coughs. Punjabis who love this combination need a rethink. Misti Dohi is traditionally made with Nolan Gur so I think that’s fine.
10. Ghee and honey
Although it is okay to consume buffalo buttermilk with honey in a 2:1 ratio, equal amounts should not be used unless other ingredients are present.
(Read more: Biryani combined with chocolate spread goes viral, netizens call it ‘disgust’)
These are just a few that I have shared with you. There may also be some contradictions among Ayurvedic followers on these things, but the human body is such a refined piece of software that each of us needs to find our own way. However, if you decide to go this route then I would recommend seeing an expert and getting a tweaked version for yourself. It is necessary that you be persistent for at least 3 months to see the change.
